Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1887-09-15


She looked up then, with something of
the lnoS the hunter someiimcs sr'-S In ih'
eyes of "A wonmdeI dnr, l""llrrl np. and
crushed the hope out "f his heart with =
cold refusal.
Then came, for her, the slow asnny of
living on. day afler day, knowing that she
had Ia that one hour Of weakness east aside
all that made life worth living Of walking
daily through the furnaces of trial, with the
ghosts of her dead hopes ever repoaching
her with the cowarlice that put an end 10
their bright but brief existence.
So TWO years drifted by. and along the
thorny pathway that she trod Elice Gray
learned priceless lessons OF self-reliance and
courage learned to be a law unto herself,
aud, once having chosen pathway, know
ing IL TO be right, grew strong 10 follow it
steadfastly to the end, though n thousand
tongues might censnre.
Within "A month after his rejection Roy
left his affairs in the hands of his steward,
70 whom he gave power of attorney, and
went away TO the city. A year passed, and
the dishonest steward, turning everything
except the Carlton homestead into money,
gathered his booty and fed and no one
knew Roy's address.
Ellice Gray knew nothing of this. When
vacation came she had given up her school,
for she could not stay where everything re-
minded her of Roy. She was teaching in a
distant village, when one morning the post.
man brought her letter which proved 10
be from former pupil in Shafton, Roy's
home. Ii told of the loss of his property,
stated that he had of late returned 10 his
home, that while in the city he had Joined
volunteer corps of firemen and while in the
discharge of this duty had been struck ON
the head by a falling timber and carried
away insensible.
when he revived, the letter went on TO
say, 'he was blind. The physicians talked
or electric treatment when he had some
what recovered from the shock, might be
beneficial, but, said the letter, Mr.. Carlton
does not get better, he seems 20 have lost all
interest in life Then the letter went on TO
give the other news of the village, but Ellice
did not read IT,
Hastily she prepared for her journey and
when the next train left the station it bore
her In the direction of Shafton.
The rosy bushes chased each other over
her otherwise pale cheeks whenever she
the thought of her errand, but she did not
falter, even when she rang the bell at the
'Squire's' and was nshered, by the prim
housekeeper, into the empty parlor. Her
heart beat tumultuously as she heard the
slow, uncertain step come down the stairs
and the hand grope for the knob of the door.
He came in and closed the door, then stood
moving his head from side TO side to side,a as
IL looking for some one.
Il beg your pardon, he said at last, for
Ellice did not speak, but does any one wait
TO see me? l am blind
Yes, Roy Eilice answered, i'm "A cholsed
voice, putting out her hand TO lead him To n
seat. 1t was the first time she had ever
called him by his given name, and she saw
the light fash over his face.
'Ellice, oh, my darling = he exclaimed,
then he stammered, forgive me, Miss Gray.
that forgot for a moment. 1t was very
kind of you 10 come
Il fear you will think the motive selfish
when have given you my reasons for COM
ing, she replied, struggling bravely for
composure as she sat down near him.
Then The train leaves In two hours, and
must return, so you will pardon me il I
am somewhat abrupt in naming my er-
rand %
Certainly he replied, courteously.
We'll, said his visitor, somewhat weakly,
striving to gain time, now that the decisive
moment had come, the fact is, am think
ing of getting married
'Ellice, he said, brokenly, it was cruel 10
come here 10 tell me that Did you think
still had any hopes that you cared for me,
that you shoulu come here TO kill them with
that announcement p
NO, she replied, and then, az no other
words would cone, sat staring helplessly at
his pale face, as he leaned against the cush-
ions of his chair. Presently she arose and
stood beside him, letting her fingers toy
with the crisp, dark curls that shaded his
brow.
Roy she whispered, hurryiug into
speech, lest her courage should fail, Roy,
don't you know that love you better than
anyone else in the world ? loved yon
then, but love you n hundred times more
now. My life has been one long regret ev-
er since. came here to-day To ask you TO
marry me. Don't refuse me, Roy. 1 have
suffered enough for my mistake and 1 love
you
oh Elliee, he cried, between pain and
pleasure, how can consent ? 1t would be
such n sacrifice
L know it Roy she answered, wilfully
misunderstanding him, when you are wor-
thy of the best woman living, but only let
me be your wife and will try so hard To
make you happy
I am blind, he murmuretl, hOpelessly.
Let me be your eyes. Oh Roy, she
sobbe,l, turning away and covering her face
with her hands, don't send me away. I
cannot bear il. L cannot live without you
He was silent for moment, then he Il
rose and turned towards her.
1T seems unmanly to accept your sacri-
flee, EIlice,' he cried, hut my life is 80
dark and his voice grew infinitely tender,
4 love you so, come to me, little one hold
ing out his arms, for I cannot see YOU
Then, IL he clasped her TO his heart, and
kissed the warm lips so near his own, he
whispered
Z never knew before what n depriva-
ton the loss of Sights.
And how soon can we be married, dar=
ling. - he asked. ~ she was about 10 leave
him
Whenever YOU wish. Roy sine rgpiieti-
sReaiIv2'
Yes, really, 5he answered.
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